A closer look: Notts Outlaws

Notts Outlaws visit Emirates Old Trafford tonight, a team who have an excellent record against the Lightning in recent years

Titles: 1 (2017)

Finals Days: 4

Head Coach: Peter Moores – The former England coach won county championship titles with both Sussex and Lancashire and continued his winning ways by lifting both the Vitality Blast and the RLODC with Notts in 2017.

Captain: Dan Christian – The Australia international captained Notts to their success on Finals Day 2017. Returns to Trent Bridge for his fifth season with the Outlaws.

The Narrative: Notts can’t wait to turn their back on a poor red-ball season and resume their quest for limited-overs glory. The white-ball specialists have reached the knockout stages in eight of the past nine years and amongst the new crop of signings, both Ben Duckett (twice with Northants) and Joe Clarke (last year with Worcestershire) have won this competition. Alex Hales and Harry Gurney should also be available throughout for another tilt at reaching Finals Day.

Star Man: Alex Hales – Perhaps with a point to prove, perhaps not, Hales will welcome the opportunity to show that his enforced lay-off hasn’t diminished his talents. One of the cleanest white-ball strikers in world cricket, his flying starts will be invaluable to the Outlaws.

Mr Consistency: Steven Mullaney – Nottinghamshire’s red-ball captain will relish his time back in the ranks, where he will again deliver with bat, ball and in the field. One of the most under-rated players in the country – unless you are canvassing any of his opponents. Misses tonight's return to where it all started for the all-rounder through injury.

Under The Radar: Matt Carter – Ish Sodhi’s absence this year should give regular opportunities to the Lincolnshire-born off-spinner, who has already impressed in fleeting red-ball and 50-over appearances. Could be key to Notts’ chances.

Killer Stat: Notts reached an aggregate of 100 victories in domestic T20 cricket last season and Samit Patel has featured in 93 of the wins. The all-rounder was there when the competition started in 2003 and begins this campaign with 168 appearances, only one behind Kent’s Darren Stevens, who has played the most.